Solo Trip with Toddler

[jasy]

My DH declared a Disneyland Moratorium after our last trip this May, apparently going every 6 months is too much for him, lol.

Anyway it's been 6 months and I'm itching to go again so he's agreed that I can go and take our son (2) and he'll stay home.

We will be staying at the PPH (my fav) and will be there from a Wednesday to Friday (leaving Saturday) in late January early February. Although my son is 38" tall I'm a bit leery on taking him on the Matterhorn but I do plan on taking in Gadgets GoCoaster in Toon Town. My plan is just to chill take in a few rides enjoy some people watching and enjoy being in Disneyland!

So all that being said, anyone have any tips on going solo with a toddler or preschooler? Anything I should definitely try to hit or miss?

 

[FlameGirl]

Anything I should definitely try to hit or miss?

Yep. All the places that serve drinks.

Just kidding. Have a great time.

 

[skiingfast]

For Gadget's go very early. The line gets so long for a minute long ride.

Little kids have fears that come and go, so take it slow and see what triggers are good and what are bad.

 

[smiles33]

What did your son like to do last time you visited? I assume you can do much of what you usually do with your DS when your DH is there, but you obviously won't be able to ride the E-ticket rides since you have no one to do baby swap with. That's a huge reason why I won't go solo, as I love the E ticket rides and my 2 and 5 year olds won't go on so many rides.

Perhaps make time to see shows you usually don't go to? Have you seen Aladdin? Did you take him to Animation Academy before? My 2 year old had fun scribbling while my 5 year old actually drew Mickey Mouse pretty well.

 

[jacs1234]

I think the trip sounds lovely. You seem to have it planned nicely with just going at your sons pace.

 

[LisaT91403]

If you go to DCA, I'd suggest the Disney Junior Live show (if your DS is into those shows, that is) and Little Mermaid.

 

[jasy]

Last time around we didn't make it to any shows, I really want to do Playhouse Disney, so that's on the agenda. Also the Little Mermaid ride opened while we were at DCA but we never made it on (huge, huge lines). I also want to do a couple character meals again, Minnies is a fav and so is Storrytellers but the logistics of this solo means it may not fly (it's hard to hold a toddlers hand and a plate and get food at the same time), unless we find some lovely CM's who can offer assistance.

My son was 19 months last time and turned 2 about a month ago the difference in him between then and now is huge, I actually look forward to our upcoming trip more this time than last for the simple reason that he can easily communicate with me what he needs or wants.

I appreciate the comments, thanks! Off to continue planning.

 

[cinder-ellah]

If your son likes characters......do some character meals. He's under 3, so he's FREE. And yes the CM's are usually very helpful.

I took my GD when she was almost 3 and at 3 1/2. Just the 2 of us. And we stayed at PPH. Absolutely a wonderful time. It was at her pace. If she wanted to do an attraction "again and again" ....we did.

My GD also had a pair of Peltor Kid Ear Muffs (decorated with Disney stickers), incase fireworks or rides were too loud. They were terrific !

PlayHouse Disney is great !

If he likes characters......get an autograph book and interact with them.

Take your own stroller (an easy fold up one) is my main recommendation.

You'll have a wonderful time !

 

[larina]

I think it sounds awesome! I'd love to go with just my 3 year old son, but my older children would be really upset!!! If he's not afraid, go through Bug's Land in CA. My son got scared and we didn't make it all the way through, but it seemed like lots of kids were just loving it (there's a little water play area at the front that we should have stuck to. It gets darker the further you go (a kind CM let them out through a magic "wall" door when he saw how upset my son was getting and my mom is legally blind, so she was having trouble in the darker setting too)

 

[makthompson]

If you go to DCA, I'd suggest the Disney Junior Live show (if your DS is into those shows, that is) and Little Mermaid.

there is also a play area in DCA. When our daughter was 2 she just ran and ran in that area. Although she liked some of the shows she wasnt one to just sit for them.

 

[mad hatter fan]

You could do the character brkfst at storytellers and order off the menu instead of the buffet. That would be easier to handle.